Examiner Bureau | Jammu:
A promise of overseas employment for a young job seeker has landed two siblings from Janipur in legal trouble, with the Crime Branch’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Jammu, filing a chargesheet against them in an alleged Australian visa fraud case involving Rs 2.30 lakh.
The accused, Poonam Sharma and Akash Sharma, have been chargesheeted before the Court of the 13th Judicial Magistrate/FC, Jammu, in FIR No. 08/2026 registered at Police Station Crime Branch (EOW), Jammu. They have been booked under Sections 420, 468, 120-B and 201 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), along with Sections 10 and 24 of the Emigration Act, 1983.
According to the Crime Branch, the case began with a complaint filed by Jaspal Singh, a resident of Digiana, Jammu, who alleged that he paid Rs 2.30 lakh by cheque to the siblings for arranging an Australian work visa for his son.
Investigators alleged that Poonam Sharma provided Singh with a job offer letter purportedly issued by “Drillfit Energy Queensland, Australia” to gain his confidence and secure the payment.
The probe, conducted by DySP Vishal Sharma, also examined the activities of M/s Futuristic Education Consultancy, which was allegedly operated by the accused. Records obtained from the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Jammu, reportedly showed that the consultancy’s registration was valid only until March 31, 2015.
The Crime Branch alleged that the firm continued operating after the registration expired without valid authorisation or renewal. It further alleged that Akash Sharma ran the consultancy as its proprietor, while Poonam Sharma worked as an agent, making promises to unemployed youth seeking jobs and opportunities abroad.
The investigating agency has also alleged that the siblings were involved in similar criminal activities in the past.
After completing the investigation, the Crime Branch submitted the chargesheet before the competent court for judicial determination of the allegations. The charges are allegations at this stage, and the matter will be decided through judicial proceedings.
Meanwhile, the SSP, Crime Branch EOW Jammu, urged people to exercise caution when approaching immigration and overseas employment consultancies. The public has been advised to verify an agency’s credentials and authorisation before making payments, particularly when offered jobs abroad.
